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Dear Friends,

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This Sunday, the red priestly vestments blaze before us like a signal fire: the Holy Spirit has come. The account in the Acts of the Apostles is familiar, yet always arresting. The disciples, once hidden and fearful, are suddenly set ablaze—not with destruction, but with divine courage, unity, and power. The rushing wind and tongues of fire are not mere symbols; they mark the birth of the Church and the beginning of a new creation.

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At Pentecost, we witness God’s breath giving life again—just as He breathed over the waters at the beginning of time, and into the clay of Adam. The Psalm reminds us: "You send forth your spirit, and they are created, and you renew the face of the earth." It is not just the apostles who were renewed. This is our story too.

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In the Gospel, Jesus promises a Helper—the Paraclete—who will not simply visit, but dwell in us. We are not alone. The Holy Spirit is God’s abiding presence, His whisper in our hearts, His strength in our weakness, His warmth in our coldness. In every Baptism, Confirmation, act of mercy, moment of prayer, and whisper of conscience, the Spirit moves—quietly, powerfully, lovingly.

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St Paul speaks boldly in the second reading: "All who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.” And so, Pentecost is also a feast of identity. We are not orphans. We are not spiritual nomads. We are sons and daughters, heirs of God, drawn into the very life of the Trinity.

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But the Spirit does not come simply to comfort us. The Spirit sends. Pentecost is a commissioning. The apostles stepped out into the streets of Jerusalem, speaking in many tongues—and each person heard the Good News in their own language. That’s our mission too: to bring the Gospel into every “language” of the world—into the language of family life, of work, of social media, of suffering, of joy.

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So today, let us pray: Come, Holy Spirit. Fall anew on our parish. Fill our hearts with Your fire. Speak to us, stir us, send us. Let us be part of Your renewing work in the world—beginning right here, right now.

Happy Feast of Pentecost.

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Fr Peter

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PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS

 

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Gracious and loving God, we thank You for the gift of our priests, help them to be strong in their vocation and become instruments of Your love and grace. Send Your Holy Spirit to give courage and guidance to all You are calling to the Priesthood, Diaconate and Religious Life in our Archdiocese. May those called, hear Your voice, and respond wholeheartedly to become the person You have created them to be. Heavenly Father, form us all in the likeness of Your Son, Jesus Christ the Good Shepherd, so that we may love You more deeply and serve You more faithfully. We ask this through Christ Your Son, the Eternal High Priest. AMEN

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SECOND COLLECTION NEXT WEEK is for the Day of Life. In the Church, it’s the day we celebrate the Sacredness of Life, which should be nurtured from conception to natural death. Thank you for your generosity.

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FROM FR BIJU. As I am leaving the parish, I want to take a moment to extend my heartfelt thanks to each one of you for your kindness, prayers, and support during my time here. A special word of gratitude to Fr. Peter, Fr. John, and Fr. Shaiju for your generous hospitality, friendship and the wonderful spirit of collaboration we shared. I have deeply appreciated your compassion and the warm welcome from the very beginning. It has been a joy and a privilege to celebrate the Holy Mass with you and to be part of this vibrant and faith-filled community. Thank you for the joyful moments, your words of encouragement, and the many ways you made me feel at home. Please be assured of my prayers as you continue your journey of faith. May the Lord continue to bless this parish abundantly, and may we remain united in prayer and mission, wherever the Lord may lead us. With heartfelt thanks and every blessing.

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REFURBISHMENT OF THE PRESBYTERY AND ST THOMAS' CHURCH. Following the successful prioritisation of the Parish Centre, we are now beginning essential refurbishment works on the presbytery, with the aim of restoring a welcoming and dignified living space for our priests, as well as suitable accommodation for visiting clergy. These works also include important repairs to both the interior and exterior of St Thomas’s Church. Spoken announcements after Masses will offer more information about the nature of these works. If you’d like to learn more or explore how you can support, details are available on our website. In this first phase of fundraising, we are mindful not to burden those who gave so generously to the Parish Centre project. Every little help is appreciated as we care for the heart of our parish together.

 

JUBILEE YEAR OF HOPE. We want to thank all the members of our community who generously looked after the pilgrims on their way from St George’s Cathedral to Aylesford. We are very grateful to the volunteers who hosted them in their homes and prepared and served delicious meals. May God bless you all abundantly.

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JOB OPPORTUNITY. The Archdiocese of Southwark is recruiting a Trust Relationship Officer to support its schools and academies. For information check the website here.

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FINANCE ASSISTANT AND SCHOOL CARETAKER. St Thomas' Catholic Primary School is looking for a Finance Assistant to work alongside the Business Manager in the School Office. The School is also hiring a School Caretaker. Both roles are from September 2025. Information: call 01732 453 921 or email office@st-thomas- sevenoaks.kcsp.org.uk.

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MEN'S RETREAT. The Men’s retreat day will happen at Holy Trinity Otford on Saturday 6th September from 10:00am to 4:00pm. It will be led by Fr Bryan Wells and the cost will be £15. Save the date. More details to follow. If you would like to attend email Catherine 

 

VISIT TO ARUNDEL. You are warmly invited to join the coach outing organised by the Arts Society Sevenoaks to Arundel on Thursday 19th June. We shall visit Arundel Cathedral and see the Carpet of fresh Flowers laid out in the nave each year for Corpus Christi. There will also be opportunities to visit the Castle and Gardens with the Fitzalan Chapel and the parish church. For details email Andrew Pembroke or 01732 450197.

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JUBILEE CELEBRATION DAY. Over two thousand people from around the Archdiocese of Southwark are expected at our Jubilee Celebration Day at The Friars, Aylesford on Saturday 7th June – we hope you will be one of them! Pick up a leaflet in the porch giving you all the information you need. Visit aec.rcaos.org.uk/ jubileecelebration, where you can sign to be one of the ‘Day Makers’ (stewards and volunteers helping to make the day a success) and also register for the 90-minute ministry sessions for children (KS1+2) and young people (KS3+4).

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FUNERAL. We are seeking another 8 or 9 helpers for the Funeral Support Group rota at St Thomas's. You will be helping bereaved families by greeting their loved ones and friends, and offering them refreshments in the Parish Room. We only help when families ask us and you are likely to be called no more than six times per year. Contact Pat on 01732 453902 to find out more. "You helped lighten the load on a very bleak day".

 

ALTAR SERVERS. We will be celebrating The Feast of the Ascension of Jesus Christ on Thursday 29th May and need 4 Altar Servers at each Mass at St Thomas’s. The Mass times are at 8:00am, 12:00 noon and 8:00pm. Email Catherine Ingram if your child can serve.

 

SUMMER CELEBRATION. The annual Altar Servers Summer Celebration will be held at St Thomas' on Saturday 12th July from 09:15am to 12:30pm. All our Servers from our 4 Parishes are warmly invited to join in. Further details of the day will be communicated nearer the time. It will be a fun filled day! Save the date and email Catherine (email above) to confirm attendance.

 

SCHOOL FAIR. St Thomas School Summer Fair will take place on Sunday 29th June from 12:00noon to 3:00pm. All are welcome to attend. Volunteers will be selling tickets for our summer raffle after Mass for the next three weekends. The raffle will be drawn at the fair. Money raised by the PTA is greatly appreciated by our parish school and there are some fantastic prizes to be won. We would love to welcome former pupils back to the school to volunteer an hour of their time to help at the fair. Please get in touch by email if you can help: stthomaspta@hotmail.com.

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SAVE THE DATE. Our Parish Summer Party is on Sunday 6th July, 12:00noon onwards, in the Presbytery Garden. This is our biggest social event. Make sure to include it in your diaries. Last year, it was a huge success with free food, drinks, children’s games and entertainment. All are welcome. If you have ideas on how to make our Parish Summer Party better, contact us. We need donations and volunteers. Can you help? Would you like to run a stall at the party? Or maybe help to run/donate to a stall or for the raffle? Or contribute with some food. It can be savoury, salads, deserts or a national dish. All the proceeds go to the parish. Please contact Ben Andradi if you can help.

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PARISH PARTY – NEARLY NEW STALL. Lets make an effort to improve on last year’s impressive total raised by the Nearly New Stall for Parish funds. Please, bring quality items such as Bric-a-Brac, linens and toiletries to the Presbytery in the two weeks preceding Sunday 6th July. No books as these are difficult to dispose of if not sold. Thank you in advance for your generosity. Start turning out those cupboards. Then buy from the stall to fill them up again. Any queries, call/email Jill Cooper at 07443638364.

 

MARRIAGE. Alone or bored in your marriage? Considering separation or already divorced? If you are open to try again, Retrouvaille could be the solution. We have helped thousands of couples get back on track. Retrouvaille is a marriage ministry, run by Catholics, to support marriages. The programme helps couples find hope and healing in their relationship. Call to find out more: www.retrouvaille.org.uk or 0797 338 0443.

 

REPOSITORY SHOP OPENING TIMES THIS WEEK

Saturday 7th June: after 6:00pm Mass

Sunday 8th June: after 8:00am Mass; after 6:00pm Mass

Thursday 12th June: during coffee morning 10:15 - 12:00pm and after 12:00pm Mass

Saturday 14th June: after 6:00pm Mass

Sunday 15th June: after 8:00am Mass; after 9:15am Mass; after 11:15 Mass; after 6:00pm Mass

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We have cards (Mass cards, birthday, get well, etc), a varied stock of spiritual books, rosaries and gifts for different occasions like Baptism, First Holy Communion or Confirmation. You may also ask for special orders. Any queries, email Esther Ford.

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JOIN THE TEAM. The Repository Shop team of St Thomas' Parish is keen to open the shop at more weekday Masses and after each Sunday Mass at St Thomas'. It is important that there is a Repository presence in all our churches. We are inviting anyone who can help by opening the Repository at a particular Mass, on a regular basis or occasionally, or be the Repository contact. The commitment would be 10-15 minutes after the end of your usual Mass. Speak to Esther Ford or Silvana; call 01732451588 or WhatsApp 07846671335.

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BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT. One Monday per month, two parishioners from the Bereavement Support team will be in the parish room next to St Thomas’s church from 10.30am until 12noon for anyone who would welcome the opportunity to talk in confidence about a bereavement or other loss such as job, health, family pet. This month it will be on June 9th.

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CATHOLIC SCHOOL. St Gregory’s Secondary School, located in Tunbridge Wells, is hosting Summer Open Events for entry in September 2026. The Open Day & Summer Fair will happen on Saturday 28th June, from 11:00am to 1:00pm. It will be an opportunity to meet the staff and have a tour the school and enjoy entry to our Summer Fair. The Open Morning will happen on Tuesday 8th July, from 9:00am to 10:30am. The programme includes a welcome by the Headteacher and tour of the school. Please visit here for booking information.

 

YOUTH MEET. Young people (over 11 years old) are invited to a special YOUTH MEET on Saturday 26th July from 9:30am to 12:30pm at St. Lawrence Church, Edenbridge, TN8 5AQ. It will be a joyful gathering to hear inspiring voices from leaders in politics, sports and film industries. The event will highlight the importance of Christian leadership and of living as witnesses of Christ. There will be sharing, prayer, fun and food. Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to grow in faith and fellowship. For details, email Fr Vipin at or call 07436 371485.

 

Our TRUTH SEEKERS youth programme has sessions every Saturday from 7:00pm to 8:15pm in the St Thomas’ Parish Centre. Encourage your young person to come. They can also bring friends. All are welcome. For information, email Silvana or call the office at 01732 454 177.

 

SAINTHOOD. How do we raise children to be saints? How do we become saints? Fr Carter Griffin, author of Forming Families, Forming Saints, will present a webinar on Wednesday 18th June at 7:30pm. The purpose of parents is to raise children to be saints, while pursuing this for themselves. Fr Griffin will consider the work of formation in the family and highlight the key virtues for our children's human, intellectual, spiritual and apostolic growth. It is aimed at parents, grandparents, priests, catechists and anyone interested. Tickets cost £5. Register here: https:// aecsouthwark.churchsuite.com/events/twnvalra

 

CARLO ACUTIS. St George’s Cathedral will be visited by a relic of Blessed Carlo Acutis. On Thursday 26th June, an evening of adoration and veneration of the relic for young adults is taking place. On Friday 27th June, Archbishop John will preside at the 6:00pm Solemn Mass of the Sacred Heart, which will include the veneration of the relic. On Saturday 28th June, there will be a “morning with Carlo Acutis”, which will include Mass, adoration, rosary and a talk on the relic. An exhibition will also be on display at the Cathedral from 19th June to 7th July. Visit here for information.

 

THE GOD WHO SPEAKS. If you are curious about the Bible, you will find great resources, activities and ideas to help you deepen your faith and love of the Scriptures on the God Who Speaks webpages

 

DAY FOR LIFE. The Day for Life is a reminder of the need to respect and protect the inherent value and dignity of each life. This year it will be on 15th June, Trinity Sunday. Ahead of it, we invite the faithful to join in prayer through the Novena for Life. This will run up to the Feast of the Visitation, between the 23rd and the 31st of May. Prayers for each day can be found here

 

MARY. Like Mary, be a Eucharistic disciple says Archbishop John. For the Month of Mary, Archbishop John is calling on us to imitate the Blessed Virgin Mary and be a man or woman of the Eucharist. You can watch or read his message.

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PILGRIMAGE GUIDE. For the Year of Jubilee, in which we are called to be ‘pilgrims of hope’, the Southwark Spirituality Commission has created a guide for parish pilgrimages. The detailed guide, which includes editable Word versions, is available to download for free. The pack provides background on pilgrimages, including helpful tips on what to think about before you start planning a pilgrimage. Download, for free here

 

JUBILEE FOR ALL. This is a new resource from CELEBRATE Trust. It was developed for families, especially those with additional needs, to enjoy pilgrimage in their local diocese in the Jubilee Year of Hope. Find short creative activities that families can choose from to enable them to draw closer to Jesus. To download it for free, click here and then on 'Jubilee for All'.

 

MARY'S MEALS. Walk the Augustine Camino for Mary’s Meals FROM Monday 1st September to Sunday 8th September. Join us for the whole pilgrimage or walk with us for a day. It will start at Rochester Cathedral and finish at the Shrine of St Augustine in Ramsgate. The pilgrimage will take us to four of the designated Jubilee churches and shrines in Southwark Archdiocese: The Friars, Aylesford; St Jude’s Shrine, Faversham; St Thomas of Canterbury, Canterbury and St Augustine’s Shrine, Ramsgate. For bookings, email Roy Peachey  or phone 07593 447297.

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HOLY SPIRIT. A fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit. All are welcome for the celebration of the feast of the Pentecost at St John Fisher's Catholic Church, Merton on Sunday 8th June from 12:30pm onwards. The feast of Pentecost is an integral part of our Christian life and let us come together to celebrate the birthday of our church. Food and drinks will be provided after the celebration. For information, call 079 474 93 683.​

 

FESTIVAL FOR FAMILIES. In this year of Jubilee, connect with other families and people of all ages for a time of fun, faith and friendship at CELEBRATE festival. It will be from August 16th to 20th at Worth School, West Sussex. Camping and residential accommodation options are available. Listen to inspirational speakers, attend Mass and worship. It might just be the summer holiday you never knew you needed. Info here.

 

SANTIAGO DE COMPOSTELLA. There will be a walking pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostella from September 20th to 29th. It is suitable for all levels, covering the 116km of the Camino Ingles at a gentle pace over 8 days with an additional day in Santiago. Email Br David or 07821049827 - evenings, or email Margaret Briggs ,07703 798967)

 

BUILDING A BETTER MARRIAGE (BABM) – Jubilee 2025 Pilgrims of Hope. To celebrate Jubilee 2025 a one day Building a Better Marriage opportunity will be held in the following 9 Southwark deaneries during 2025.

 

The day starts at 9.30am and finishes at 4.30pm and is free to attend. The day will be open to other deaneries in 2026 who have not experienced the event To join one of these day’s please email Carole or 07983 524 727 .

28 June – St Raphael Church, Kingston Upon Thames

5 July - St Thomas More, Dulwich

13 September – Southwark Cathedral, London

4 October – Holy Cross, Catford

1 November – St James the Great, Petts Wood

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EVANGELIUM 2025 conference will be from 15th to 17th August. This is a conference on Catholic faith, life and culture to help make faithful young Catholic adults effective for Mission. Over the years, hundreds have ignited their faith through Evangelium. Guest speakers include Fr Marcus Holden and Fr Mark Wharton. Booking and more details can be found here.

 

WALSINGHAM. Archbishop John will be leading the Archdiocesan pilgrimage to Walsingham on Saturday 28th June. If any parish would like to organise coaches, please contact Fr James Clark .

 

WE BELIEVE. This festival of Catholic Life celebrates the Jubilee Year of Hope, with parishes and families in mind, will be from 25th to 28th July. It will be four days of music, keynotes, conversation & worship, in the beautiful surroundings of St Mary’s College, Oscott, Sutton Coldfield. Featuring Dr Gianna Emanuela Molla (daughter of St Gianna Molla), Fr Paul Murray & many more. Pilgrim-attendees can choose to attend for the whole weekend (camping, staying locally or coming from home) at an adult Early Bird rate of £70, or for a day for £40. Early Bird Tickets available.

 

MASS INTENTIONS - A BEAUTIFUL WAY TO PRAY. We have available spaces for Mass intentions in the coming weeks. Offering a Mass for a loved one, whether living or deceased, is a profound act of love and faith. Please contact the parish office to reserve a date. Let us continue to pray for one another through the powerful gift of the Eucharist

 

MOTHER’S PRAYERS every Thursday after the 12noon Mass in the Parish Centre. It is a special time for mothers to unite in faith and offer prayers for their families and the broader community. All are welcome.

 

ST PADRE PIO PRAYER GROUP. This is a prayer group for those discerning and practicing discipleship in our parish led by Deacon Neil which meets in the Parish Centre from 7:30pm on the 2nd & 4th Tuesdays of the month, and includes time of fellowship over tea and coffee, praise & worship led by musicians, consideration of Church teaching and prayer. For more information please contact Deacon Neil.

 

RECENTLY DIED
 

Annette Bird

Requiem Mass on 26th June 2025 at Most Holy Trinity, Otford (11.30am)

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Vincent Potter

Requiem Mass on 11th July 2025 at St Thomas’, Sevenoaks (11.00am)

May they rest in peace​​​​​​​

 

DIOCESAN NOTICES
 

​​​​​​​​​Hope in Adoration. As part of the Jubilee Year, Archbishop John is encouraging people to turn to the Lord Jesus in Eucharistic Adoration and have their hopes “fulfilled by Christ”. The campaign, Hope in Adoration, will share testimonies from parish priests and laity throughout the year on how Eucharistic Adoration has helped them build a closer relationship with the Lord Jesus. Resources will also be made available for free and there is a comprehensive list of times of Eucharistic Adoration in parishes across the Archdiocese. Find out more about the campaign at rcaos.org.uk/hopeinadoration

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ARCHDIOCESAN JUBILEE CELEBRATION DAY at The Friars, Aylesford 7 June 2025. Led by Archbishop John Wilson, we will gather as an Archdiocese at The Friars, Aylesford for a day of prayer, reflection, celebration, and fun. There will be lots of activities, for children as well as for adults. This will be the centre-piece event of the 2025 Jubilee in the Archdiocese of Southwark. There will also be a walking pilgrimage from St George’s Cathedral in Southwark to The Friars (2-6 June 2025). The event itself is free. You can find out more about the event, including how to join the walking pilgrimage, and the wider Jubilee Year

plans in the Archdiocese at: rcaos.org.uk/jubilee2025.​​​​​​

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​St Thomas of Canterbury, pray for us.
St Joseph, pray for us.
St Bernadette, pray for us.
St Edith of Kemsing, pray for us.

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Fr Peter Kucharski, Parish Priest of Sevenoaks

12 Granville Road     email

Sevenoaks               01732 454177

TN13 1ER​​​